Ashim Dasgupta criticises administration for inaction

The Bidhannagar municipal election turned into a virtual battlefield since morning with several incidents of booth capturing, rigging, brick batting and hurling bombs reported from Karunamoyee, Baishakhi and several other places of Bidhannagar.

Former finance minister and Karunamoyee candidate Ashim Dasgupta said their agents were beaten at various places in Karunamoyee.

CPI (M) agent Amit Ghosh received a severe head injury and was admitted to a nearby hospital.

“We contacted the State Election Commission as well as the police several times. But every such attempt went futile as the police acted as Trinamool cadre. However we will fight till the end. It’s the people who will win in the end, not the hooligans,” said Dasgupta to the media.

While declaring the election dates, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora also announced strict guidelines for use of social media by political parties and candidates.
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With the Election Commission outlining stringent guidelines for social media usage during elections, political parties and candidates won’t be able to post unverified advertisements, photographs of defence personnel, hate speeches and fake news on their accounts.

The poll panel here on Sunday announced Lok Sabha elections in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

While declaring the election dates, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora also announced strict guidelines for use of social media by political parties and candidates.

According to the new guidelines, candidates are required to furnish details of their social media accounts at the time of filing nominations and their activities on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Google would be under the Election Commission’s close scrutiny.

Provisions of the model code of conduct will also apply to the content being posted on social media by candidates and political parties. Any violation may lead to action by the Election Commission.